Interconnect structures incorporating low-k dielectric barrier films

ABSTRACT

The present invention comprises an interconnect structure including a metal, interlayer dielectric and a ceramic diffusion barrier formed therebetween, where the ceramic diffusion barrier has a composition Si v N w C x O y H z , where 0.1≦v≦0.9, 0≦w≦0.5, 0.01≦x≦0.9, 0≦y≦0.7, 0.01≦z≦0.8 for v+w+x+y+z=1. The ceramic diffusion barrier acts as a diffusion barrier to metals, i.e., copper. The present invention also comprises a method for forming the inventive ceramic diffusion barrier including the steps depositing a polymeric preceramic having a composition Si v N w C x O y H z , where 0.1&lt;v&lt;0.8, 0&lt;w&lt;0.8, 0.05&lt;x&lt;0.8, 0&lt;y&lt;0.3, 0.05&lt;z&lt;0.8 for v+w+x+y+z=1 and then converting the polymeric preceramic layer into a ceramic diffusion barrier by thermal methods.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present invention claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication 60/443,504 filed Jan. 29, 2003 the whole contents anddisclosure of which is incorporated by reference as is fully set forthherein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the utilization of dielectric layersthat have low dielectric constants (k≦3.3) and have barrier propertiesto metal diffusion. More particularly, it relates to the use of thedielectric barrier layers in metal interconnect structures, which arepart of integrated circuits and microelectronic devices. The primaryadvantage that is provided by this invention is the reduction in thecapacitance between conducting metal features, e.g., copper lines, thatresults in an enhancement in overall chip performance.

2. Background Art

Materials which function as diffusion barriers to metal, may beincorporated in metal interconnect structures that are a part ofintegrated circuits. Diffusion barriers to metal are typically requiredto generate reliable devices, since low-k interlayer dielectricstypically do not prohibit metal diffusion. The placement of metaldiffusion barrier materials in interconnect structures may differ andoften is dependent upon the properties of the metal diffusion barrierand the means in which they are processed. Barrier layers comprised ofmetal and dielectrics are commonly utilized in interconnect structures.

Diffusion barrier layers, comprised of metal include, but are notlimited to: tantalum, tungsten, ruthenium, tantalum nitride, titaniumnitride, TiSiN, etc. Diffusion barrier layers often serve as liners,whereby they form a conformal interface with metal conductingstructures. Normally, these materials are deposited by chemical vapordeposition (CVD), plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD),atomic layer deposition (ALD), sputtering, thermal evaporation, andother related approaches. To utilize these materials as barrier layers,the metal barrier layers must be conformal to conducting metal lines andcannot be placed as blanket layers that would serve as conductingpathways.

There are numerous approaches in which this can be accomplished. Onelimiting criteria for these barrier layers is that their contribution tothe resistivity of conducting metal lines must not be excessively high;otherwise, the increase in the total resistance of the metal conductingstructures would result in reduced performance.

Diffusion barrier layers comprised of dielectrics including, but notlimited to: silicon nitrides, silicon carbides, and siliconcarbonitrides, are also utilized in microelectronic devices. Thesematerials are normally deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) andplasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) approaches and can bedeposited as continuous films. Unlike diffusion barrier layers comprisedof metal, the dielectric layers can be deposited as blanket films andcan be placed between conducting metal lines. In doing so, thesedielectric layers contribute to the capacitance between metal lines. Alimiting constraint of these systems is their relatively high dielectricconstants (k=4.5 through 7.0) that result in a substantial increase inthe effective dielectric constant between metal lines leading to reduceddevice performance. Decreasing the film thickness of these barrierlayers can also lead to reductions in the effective dielectric constant“k”; however, insufficiently thick layers may not be reliable andnevertheless may still make a significant negative contribution to thedielectric constant. Another disadvantage of these systems is the costand complexity associated with the tools and processes involved in theirdeposition.

Barrier layer films that are generated by spin-coating dielectrics, orother solvent based approaches, having an appropriate copper bindingmoiety to prohibit copper diffusion, have also been proposed. Thesesystems are based on the addition of the copper binding moiety as anadditive and have several potential drawbacks. Due to the lack ofcovalent bonding of the moiety to the dielectric matrix, the moiety maybe expelled from the matrix by diffusion processes, solvent extraction,and thermolysis, resulting in a loss of the copper barrier properties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to interconnect structures having a ceramicdiffusion barrier layer with a low dielectric constant (e.g. k≦3.3),which serves as a barrier to metal diffusion and is applied by a solventbased approach, e.g., spin coating. The invention can be employed in anymicroelectronic device that utilizes metal interconnect structuresincluding, but not limited to: high speed microprocessors, applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASICs), and memory storage. Theutilization of the spin-on low-k ceramic diffusion barrier layer isadvantageous in comparison to prior art approaches, as it may allow thefacile generation of a diffusion barrier layer in a cost-effectivemanner and may result in microelectronic devices with increasedperformance through a reduction in the capacitance between conductingmetal lines.

The interconnect structure may be comprised of at least one conductingmetal feature, formed on the substrate, with the substrate furthercomprising at least one insulating layer surrounding the conductingmetal feature. The insulating layer may surround at least one conductingmetal feature at its bottom, top, and lateral surfaces. The structuremay further comprise at least one conductive barrier layer formed on atleast one interface between the insulating layer and the conductingmetal feature. The combination of the conducting metal feature and theinsulating layers, may be repeated to form a multilevel interconnectstack.

The interconnect structure may be one of a silicon wafer containingmicroelectronic devices, a ceramic chip carrier, an organic chipcarrier, a glass substrate, a gallium arsenide wafer, silicon carbidewafer, a gallium wafer, or other semiconductor wafer.

In the first embodiment of this invention, an interconnect structurehaving the ceramic diffusion barrier layer is described. In broad termsthe inventive interconnect structure includes:

-   -   at least one conducting metal feature formed atop a substrate;    -   at least one interlayer dielectric layer surrounding at least        one metal feature; and    -   a ceramic diffusion barrier formed between at least one        interlayer dielectric layer and at least one conducting metal        feature, said ceramic diffusion barrier having a composition        Si_(v)N_(w)C_(x)O_(y)H_(z), where 0.1≦v≦0.9, 0≦w≦0.5,        0.01≦x≦0.9, 0≦y≦0.7, 0.01≦z≦0.8 for v+w+x+y+z=1.

In a first example of the first embodiment, a preceramic polymericprecursor is applied by a solvent based approach (e.g., spin-coating) togenerate the ceramic diffusion barrier layer, also referred to as a capbarrier layer film. The remaining interconnect structure may becomprised of a via level dielectric, a line level dielectric, hardmasklayers, and buried etch stop layers.

In a second example of the first embodiment, the preceramic polymericprecursor is applied in the same manner as above to generate a capbarrier layer film and is used simultaneously as a low-k cap barrierlayer and a via level dielectric. This approach produces an interconnectstructure having a hybrid interlayer dielectric, where the line leveldielectric layers may be any dielectric and the via level dielectric andceramic diffusion barrier layer are combined into one layer.

In a third example of the first embodiment, the preceramic polymericprecursor is applied in the same manner as above to generate a ceramicdiffusion barrier layer and is used simultaneously as a low-k ceramicdiffusion barrier layer, a via level interlayer dielectric, and a linelevel interlayer dielectric. This approach produces an interconnectstructure having an interlayer dielectric where both the via and linelevel dielectric layers are combined with the ceramic diffusion barrierlayer to form a continuous interlayer dielectric layer.

In a fourth example of the first embodiment, the preceramic polymericprecursor is applied in the same manner as above to generate a ceramicdiffusion barrier layer onto an interconnect structure having ainterlayer dielectric comprised of at least two dielectrics, where thedielectric underneath the metal lines chemically differs from thedielectric in other regions.

The ceramic diffusion barrier layer has a low dielectric constant ofless than about 3.3, preferably less then about 2.8, and even morepreferably about 2.6. The ceramic diffusion barrier layer also prohibitsmetal diffusion (preferably copper), and is thermally stable totemperatures of about 300° C. The ceramic diffusion barrier layer mayalso contain porosity that further reduces the dielectric constant “k”to less than about 2.6, most preferably about 1.6. The pores may begenerated by a removal of a sacrificial moiety that may be polymeric.The pores may also be generated by a process that involves theelimination of a high boiling point solvent. The pores may have a sizescale of about 0.5 nm to about 20 nm and may have a closed cellmorphology.

In a second embodiment of this invention, a method to produce theceramic diffusion barrier layer is described. In broad terms theinventive method includes the steps of:

-   -   applying a coating of a polymeric preceramic precursor onto a        substrate having at least one metal region and at least one        insulating region, where the polymeric preceramic precursor has        a composition of Si_(v)N_(w)C_(x)O_(y)H_(z), where 0.1≦v≦0.8,        0≦w≦0.8, 0.05≦x≦0.8, 0≦y≦0.3, 0.05≦z≦0.8 for v+w+x+y+z=1; and    -   converting the polymeric preceramic precursor into a ceramic        diffusion barrier layer, where the ceramic diffusion barrier        prohibits the diffusion of metal.

The polymeric preceramic precursor, utilized in the second embodiment,may also have the composition Si_(v)N_(w)C_(x)O_(y)H_(z), where0.1<v<0.8, 0<w<0.8, 0.05<x<0.8, 0<y<0.3, 0.05<z<0.8, and v+w+x+y+z−1.

More specifically, a polymeric preceramic precursor is first dissolvedin a suitable solvent and then spin coated onto a interconnectstructure, having metal and dielectric material exposed at it'suppermost surface, to form a ceramic diffusion barrier layer. Theceramic diffusion barrier layer may be annealed at elevatedtemperatures, e.g., from about 200° C. to about 400° C., to eliminateresidual solvent and to crosslink the material. Conventional processingmay follow the formation of the ceramic diffusion barrier layer toproduce interconnect structures having a low-k barrier layer film andseparating metal lines from interlayer dielectric layers.

Upon coating, the polymeric preceramic precursor film is converted to aceramic diffusion barrier layer through the use of one or a combinationof any suitable process including: thermal curing, electron irradiation,ion irradiation, irradiation with ultraviolet and/or visible light, etc.During this process, the polymeric preceramic precursor may crosslinkinto a rigid, insoluble matrix to form the ceramic diffusion barrierlayer. The resultant ceramic diffusion barrier layer may have adielectric constant less than about 3.3, be thermally stable, have lowleakage currents, have a high breakdown field value, and prohibits thediffusion of metal (preferably copper). For systems generated fromsilicon containing polymeric preceramic precursors, the ceramicdiffusion barrier layer may have a composition ofSi_(v)N_(w)C_(x)O_(y)H_(z), where 0.1≦v≦0.9, 0≦w≦0.5, 0.01≦x≦0.9,0≦y≦0.7, 0.01≦z≦0.8 for v+w+x+y+z=1. The ceramic diffusion barrier layermay also have a composition of Si_(v)N_(w)C_(x)O_(y)H_(z), where0.1<v<0.9, 0<w<0.5, 0.01<x<0.9, 0<y<0.7, 0.01<z<0.8 for v+w+x+y+z=1.

In a third embodiment of this invention, compositions for producing aceramic diffusion barrier layer are described. The polymeric preceramicprecursor is a molecule that is used to form a ceramic diffusion barrierlayer that has a low dielectric constant (k≦3.3), prohibits metaldiffusion, and is thermally stable to temperatures of about 300° C. Thepolymeric preceramic precursor may have any chain architecture(including linear, networked, branched, dendrimeric) and can contain oneor more monomeric units in any sequential arrangement (random,alternating, block, tapered, etc.). The polymeric preceramic precursorcan also be a physical mixture of two or more polymeric components.

The polymeric preceramic precursor may be selected from systems havingsilicon as part of the backbone structure including: polysilazanes,polycarbosilanes, polysilasilazanes, polysilanes, polysilacarbosilanes,polysiloxazanes, polycarbosilazanes, and polysilacarbosilazanes. Thepolymeric preceramic precursor may have pendant functional groups bondedto the chain backbone including, but not limited to: hydrido, vinyl,allyl, alkoxy, and alkyl groups. The polymeric preceramic precursor mayalso be comprised of a system having a carbon backbone and pendantfunctional groups comprised of at least Si and N, and may also have C,O, and H. An example of such a material is poly(silylcarbodiimides). Ingeneral, these silicon containing polymeric preceramic precursors maylead to a ceramic diffusion barrier layer having a composition ofSi_(v)N_(w)C_(x)O_(y)H_(z), where 0.1≦v≦0.9, 0≦w≦0.5, 0.01≦x≦0.9,0≦y≦0.7, 0.01≦z≦0.8 for v+w+x+y+z=1. The silicon containing polymericpreceramic precursors may also lead to a ceramic diffusion barrier layerhaving a composition of Si_(v)N_(w)C_(x)O_(y)H_(z), where 0.1<v<0.9,0<w<0.5, 0.01<x<0.9, 0<y<0.7, 0.01<z<0.8 for v+w+x+y+z=1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a semiconductor device in accordancewith the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of another semiconductor device inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 3 is a general process flow for generation of ceramic diffusionbarrier layers in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are examples of electrical characteristics of aceramic diffusion barrier layers in accordance with the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The structures, methods, and compositions relating to the inventiveceramic diffusion barrier layer of the present invention will now bediscussed in greater detail referring to the drawings accompanying thepresent invention. It is noted that in the accompanying drawings, likeand corresponding elements are referred to by like reference numbers.

In accordance with the invention, an interconnect structure is providedcontaining metal and dielectric components, where a ceramic diffusionbarrier layer comprised of a dielectric material having a low dielectricconstant (k<3.3) serves as a barrier to metal diffusion. The ceramicdiffusion barrier layer is generated from a polymeric preceramicprecursor that is deposited onto the intended interconnect structure bya solvent based process including, but not limited to: spin coating,scan coating, spray coating, dip coating, using a doctor blade, etc. Thefilm may have a thickness of from about 5 nm to about 1000 nm. Suitablesolvents include any of those commonly used in coating including, butnot limited to: propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (PGMEA), propyleneglycol methyl ether (PGME), toluene, xylenes, mesitylene, butyrolactone,ketones, cyclohexanone, hexanones, heptanones, and ethyl lactate.

Optionally, the interconnect structure can be cleaned using any suitableprocess known in the art prior to the deposition of the polymericpreceramic precursor. The cleaning may be a wet clean involvingexposures to acids, bases and organic solvents. The cleaning may alsoinvolve any dry etch process known in the art.

The polymeric preceramic precursor film is then converted to a ceramicdiffusion barrier layer through the use of one or a combination of anysuitable process including, but not limited to: thermal curing, electronirradiation, ion irradiation, irradiation with ultraviolet and/orvisible light. Thermal anneals may be performed at temperatures inexcess of about 400° C. and may be performed in an inert atmosphere.During this process, the polymeric preceramic precursor may crosslinkinto a rigid, insoluble matrix to form the cap barrier layer film, whichmay have a dielectric constant less than about 3.3. In addition, theceramic diffusion barrier layer typically is thermally stable, havinglow leakage currents, high breakdown field values, and prohibits thediffusion of metal (preferably copper) through the film.

Referring to FIG. 1, in the first embodiment, an example of aninterconnect structure 40, comprised of multiple levels 1000 where eachlevel may consist of a via level 1100 and line level 1200, is shown. Theinterconnect structure contains conducting metal features 33 thattraverse through the structure and may have interfaces with a liningmetal containing barrier 34. The conducting metal features 33 and liningmetal containing barrier 34 are surrounded by dielectrics. Thedielectrics in the via level 1100 include the via level dielectric 32and the ceramic diffusion barrier layer 36. The dielectrics in the linelevel 1200 include the line level dielectric 31 and an optional hardmaskdielectric 41. Optionally, a dielectric etch stop layer 37 may be placedbetween the via level dielectric 32 and line level dielectric 31. Theline level dielectric 31 may contain a hardmask dielectric 41 thatdiffers in composition from the remainder of the line level dielectric31.

The interconnect structure can be generated by a number of sequentialprocessing steps including the use of lithography, chemical mechanicalpolishing (CMP), reactive ion etching, thermal annealing, wet chemicalcleans, film deposition by solvent based coating, film deposition bychemical vapor deposition, and combinations thereof.

The ceramic diffusion barrier layer 36 is generated from a polymericpreceramic precursor that is applied onto the interconnect structure byany solvent based coating schemes including, but not limited to: spincoating, scan coating, dip coating, spray coating and combinationsthereof. The polymeric preceramic precursor is then converted into theceramic diffusion barrier layer 36 through the use of one or acombination of any suitable processes including: thermal curing,electron irradiation, ion irradiation, irradiation with ultravioletand/or visible light, etc. During this process, the polymeric preceramicprecursor may crosslink into a rigid, insoluble matrix. The resultantceramic diffusion barrier layer 36 has a low dielectric constant(k<3.3), prohibits metal diffusion (preferably copper), and is thermallystable to temperatures of about 300° C.

The polymeric preceramic precursor can have any chain architecture(including linear, networked, branched, dendrimeric) and can contain oneor more monomeric units in any sequential arrangement (homopolymer,random copolymer, alternating, block copolymer, tapered, polymer blend,etc.). The polymeric preceramic precursor can also be a mixture of twoor more polymeric components. The polymeric preceramic precursor mayhave a molecular weight between approximately 500 and approximately1000000.

The polymeric preceramic precursor may be selected from systems havingsilicon as part of the backbone structure including: polysilazanes,polycarbosilanes, polysilasilazanes, polysilanes, polysilacarbosilanes,polysiloxazanes, polycarbosilazanes, polysilylcarbodiimides, andpolysilacarbosilazanes. The polymeric preceramic precursor may also havesome component of polysiloxanes or polysilsesquioxane in the structure.The polymeric preceramic precursor may also bepolyureamethylvinylsilazane or polyureamethylvinylsilazane (KiON). Thepolymeric preceramic precursor may have pendant functional groups bondedto the chain backbone including, hydrido, vinyl, allyl, alkoxy, silyl,and alkyl groups. The polymeric preceramic precursor may also becomprised of a system having a carbon backbone and pendant functionalgroups comprised of at least Si and N, and may also have C, O, and H. Anexample of such a material is poly(silylcarbodiimides).

The polymeric preceramic precursor may also have pendant functionalgroups bonded to the chain backbone that may have a binding affininty tometal including: amines, amides, imides, thioesters, thioethers, ureas,urethanes, nitriles, isocyanates, thiols, sulfones, phosphines,phosphine oxides, phosphonimides, benzotriazoles, pyridines, imidazoles,imides, oxazoles, benzoxazoles, thiazoles, pyrazoles, triazoles,thiophenes, oxadiazoles, thiazines, thiazoles, quionoxalines,benzimidazoles, oxindoles, and indolines. In general, these siliconcontaining polymeric preceramic precursors may have a composition ofSi_(v)N_(w)C_(x)O_(y)H_(z), where 0.1≦v≦0.8, 0≦w≦0.8, 0.05≦x≦0.8,0≦y≦0.3, 0.05≦z≦0.8 for v+w+x+y+z−1. The silicon containing polymericprecursor may also have a composition Si_(v)N_(w)C_(x)O_(y)H_(z), where0.1<v<0.8, 0<w<0.8, 0.05<x<0.8, 0<y<0.3, 0.05<z<0.8, and v+w+x+y+z=1.

For systems generated from the silicon containing polymeric preceramicprecursors, the ceramic diffusion barrier layer may have a compositionof Si_(v)N_(w)C_(x)O_(y)H_(z), where 0.1≦v≦0.9, 0≦w≦0.5, 0.01≦x≦0.9,0≦y≦0.7, 0.01≦z≦0.8 for v+w+x+y+z=1. The ceramic diffusion barrier mayalso have a composition of Si_(v)N_(w)C_(x)O_(y)H_(z), where 0.1<v<0.9,0<w<0.5, 0.01<x<0.9, 0<y<0.7, 0.01<z<0.8 for v+w+x+y+z−1. An example ofa preferred composition for the ceramic diffusion barrier layer isSi_(0.16)N_(0.17)C_(0.17)H_(0.5).

The line level dielectric and via level dielectric are dielectricmaterials having low dielectric constants (k<3) and are thermally stableto temperatures greater than about 300° C. The preferred materials forthe line level dielectric 32 and via level dielectric 31 are:polysiloxanes, polysilsesquioxanes, polyarylenes, poly(arylene ethers)and dielectrics that are generated by chemical vapor depositionapproaches having the composition Si_(v)N_(w)C_(x)O_(y)H_(z), where0.05≦v≦0.8, 0≦w≦0.9, 0.05≦x≦0.8, 0≦y≦0.8, 0.05≦z≦0.8 for v+w+x+y+z=1.The dielectric composition may also be Si_(v)N_(w)C_(x)O_(y)H_(z), where0.05<v<0.8, 0<w<0.9, 0.05<x<0.8, 0<y<0.8, 0.05<z<0.8 for v+w+x+y+z=1.Optionally, the dielectric may be air or an inert gas. The lowdielectric constant material may also be porous. In one embodiment theline level dielectric layer has a first composition and the via leveldielectric has a second composition, where the first composition isdifferent from the second composition.

Optionally, a hard mask dielectric 41 may be used. The hard maskdielectric may have a thickness ranging from about 5 nm to about 100 nm.The preferred materials for the hard mask dielectric are: polysiloxanes,polysilsesquioxanes, or CVD deposited dielectrics having the compositionSi_(v)N_(w)C_(x)O_(y)H_(z), where 0.05≦v≦0.8, 0≦w≦0.9, 0.05≦x≦0.8,0≦y≦0.8, 0.05≦z≦0.8 for v+w+x+y+z=1. The dielectrics may also compriseof Si_(v)N_(w)C_(x)O_(y)H_(z), where 0.05<v<0.8, 0<w<0.9, 0.05<x<0.8,0<y<0.8, 0.05<z<0.8 for v+w+x+y+z=1

Optionally, a dielectric etch stop layer 37 may be placed between thevia level dielectric 32 and line level dielectric 31. The dielectricetch stop layer may have a thickness ranging from about 5 nm to about100 nm. The preferred materials for the dielectric etch stop are:polysiloxanes, polysilsesquioxanes, or any CVD deposited dielectrichaving a composition comprised of Si_(v)N_(w)C_(x)O_(y)H_(z), where0.05≦v≦0.8, 0≦w≦0.9, 0.05≦x≦0.8, 0≦y≦0.8, 0.05≦z≦0.8 for v+w+x+y+z=1.Si_(v)N_(w)C_(x)O_(y)H_(z), where 0.05<v<0.8, 0<w<0.9, 0.05<x<0.8,0<y<0.8, 0.05<z<0.8 for v+w+x+y+z=1, may also be the composition of thegate dielectric and line level dielectric.

The preferred materials for the conducting metal features are copper,gold, silver, aluminum and alloys thereof. The conducting metal featuresmay have layers at the top surface that reduce electromigrationincluding materials comprised of cobalt, tungsten, and phosphorous. Theconducting metal features may have a moiety at the top surface thatreduces the propensity for oxidation of the metal including:benzotriazoles, amines, amides, imides, thioesters, thioethers, ureas,urethanes, nitrites, isocyanates, thiols, sulfones, phosphines,phosphine oxides, phosphonimides, pyridines, imidazoles, imides,oxazoles, benzoxazoles, thiazoles, pyrazoles, triazoles, thiophenes,oxadiazoles, thiazines, thiazoles, quionoxalines, benzimidazoles,oxindoles, and indolines. The preferred materials for the lining metalcontaining barrier are tantalum, tantalum nitride, tungsten, titanium,titanium nitride, ruthernium, TiSiN, and combinations thereof.

Referring to FIG. 2, in the first embodiment, another example of aninterconnect structure 40, comprised of multiple levels 1000 where eachlevel may consist of a via level 1100 and line level 1200, is shown. Theinterconnect structure contains conducting metal features 33 thattraverse through the structure and may have interfaces with a liningmetal containing barrier 34. The conducting metal features 33 and liningmetal containing barrier 34 are surrounded by dielectrics. Thedielectrics in the line level 1200 include the line level dielectric 43and an optional hardmask dielectric. The dielectrics in the via level1100 include the via level dielectric 32 that are present underconducting metal lines, line level dielectric 43 which are present inregions not having metal lines atop the via level, and the ceramicdiffusion barrier layer 36. Optionally, a dielectric etch stop layer 37may be placed between the via level dielectric 42 and line leveldielectric 43.

Referring to FIG. 3, the general process flow for the production ofceramic diffusion barrier layers is shown. In step 1, a solution isprepared including the polymeric preceramic precursor using any solventcommonly used for coating purposes including, but not limited to:propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (PGMEA), propylene glycol methylether (PGME), toluene, xylenes, anisole, mesitylene, butyrolactone,ketones, cyclohexanone, hexanones, ethyl lactate and heptanones.

An optional antistriation agent may be codissolved in the solutioncontaining the polymeric preceramic precursor to produce films of highuniformity. The amount of antistriation agent may be less than about 1%of the solution containing the polymeric preceramic precursor.

An optional adhesion promoter may also be codissolved in the solutioncontaining the polymeric preceramic precursor and may segregate to filminterfaces during application of the polymeric preceramic precursor. Theadhesion promoter may comprise of less than about 2% of the solutioncontaining the polymeric preceramic precursor.

In optional step 2, the interconnect structure may be cleaned prior tothe deposition of the polymeric preceramic precursor. The cleaning maybe a wet clean involving exposures to acids, bases, and/or organicsolvents. The cleaning process step may also involve any dry etchprocess known in the art. In optional step 3, adhesion promoters may beapplied to the substrate surface (e.g., interconnect structure). Apreferred adhesion promoter has the composition Si_(x)L_(y)R_(z), whereL is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy,acetoxy, alkoxy, carboxy, amines, halogens, and R is selected from thegroup consisting of hydrido, methyl, ethyl, vinyl, and phenyl (any alkylor aryl). The adhesion promoter may also be hexamethyldisilazane,vinyltriacetoxysilane, aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane or combinations thereof.

In step 4, the intended substrate is then coated with the polymericpreceramic precursor by a solvent based process including: spin coating,scan coating, spray coating, dip coating, using a doctor blade orcombinations thereof The polymeric preceramic precursor may have athickness of about 5 nm to about 1000 nm. In optional step 5, adhesionpromoters may be applied to the top surface of the film comprised of thepolymeric preceramic precursor. Preferred adhesion promoters includethose mentioned above.

In step 6, the polymeric preceramic precursor is converted into theceramic diffusion barrier layer through the use of one or a combinationof any suitable process including: thermal curing, electron irradiation,ion irradiation, irradiation with ultraviolet and/or visible light, etc.In the case of thermal annealing, the anneals may be performed attemperatures in excess of about 400° C. and under inert atmospheresincluding, nitrogen, forming gas, and argon. During this process, thepolymeric preceramic precursor may crosslink into a rigid, insolublematrix. If the optional codissolved adhesion promoter is used, theadhesion promoter may segregate to film interfaces during thisconversion process. In optional step 7, adhesion promoters may beapplied to top surface of the ceramic diffusion barrier layer. Preferredadhesion promoters include those mentioned above.

The solution containing the polymeric preceramic precursor may alsocontain moieties that produce porosity, including sacrificial polymericmaterials that degrades into low molecular weight byproducts and/or highboiling point solvents that are expelled from the film during theconversion of the polymeric preceramic precursor into the ceramicdiffusion barrier layer. The sacrificial polymeric material may beselected from the group consisting of: poly(stryenes), poly(esters),poly(methacrylates), poly(acrylates), poly(glycols), poly(amides), andpoly(norbornenes).

The ceramic diffusion barrier layer preferably has a dielectric constantless than 3.3, is thermally stable, has low leakage currents, has highbreakdown field values, and prohibits the diffusion of metal (preferablycopper) through the film. Referring to FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), suitablebreakdown characteristics and leakage current characteristics aredemonstrated for a film generated from a polysilazane preceramicprecursor, as low percentages of breakdowns are observed for fields lessthan 7 MV/cm (FIG. 4(a)) and the leakage currents are less than 10⁻⁷amps/cm² at both room temperature and 150° C. (FIG. 4(b)).

While we have shown and described several embodiments in accordance withour invention, it is to be clearly understood that the same aresusceptible to numerous changes apparent to one skilled in the art.Therefore, we do not wish to be limited to the details shown anddescribed but intend to show all changes and modifications that comewithin the scope of the appended claims.

1-10. (canceled)
 11. A method of forming a ceramic diffusion barrierlayer comprising: applying a coating of a polymeric preceramic precursoronto a semiconducting substrate, where said polymeric preceramicprecursor has a composition of Si_(v)N_(w)C_(x)O_(y)H_(z), where0.1≦v≦0.8, 0≦w≦0.8, 0.05≦x≦0.8, 0≦y≦0.3, 0.05≦z≦0.8, and v+w+x+y+z=1;and converting said polymeric preceramic precursor into a ceramicdiffusion barrier layer, where said ceramic diffusion barrier prohibitsmetal diffusion.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said polymericpreceramic precursor comprises polysilazanes, polycarbosilanes,polysilasilazanes, polysilanes, polysilacarbosilanes, polysiloxazanes,polycarbosilazanes, polysilylcarbodiimides, or polysilacarbosilazanes.13. The method of claim 11, where said applying a coating of saidpolymeric preceramic precursor comprises preparing a solution of saidpolymeric preceramic precursor and a solvent; and then applying saidsolution by a solvent based process.
 14. The method of claim 13, whereinsaid solvent based process comprises spin coating, spray coating, scancoating, dip coating, or combinations thereof.
 15. The method of claim13 where said solution further comprises: an adhesion promotercodissolved in said solvent containing said polymeric preceramicprecursor, where said adhesion promoter has a composition ofSi_(x)L_(y)R_(z), where L is selected from the group consisting ofhydroxyl, methoxy, ethoxy, acetoxy, alkoxy, caboxy, amines or halogens,and R is selected from the group consisting of hydrido, methyl, ethyl,vinyl, and phenyl.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein said solventcomprises propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (PGMEA), propyleneglycol methyl ether (PGME), toluene, xylenes, anisole, mesitylene,butyrolactone, cyclohexanone, hexanones, ethyl lactate, heptanones orcombinations thereof.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein saidconversion of said polymeric preceramic precursor into said ceramicdiffusion barrier layer comprises thermal curing, electron irradiation,ion irradiation, irradiation with ultraviolet light, irradiation withvisible light, or combinations thereof.
 18. The method of claim 13,wherein a sacrificial moiety to produce porosity is codissolved in saidsolution including including said polymeric preceramic precursor, wheresaid sacrificial moiety is a sacrificial polymeric selected from thegroup consisting of poly(styrenes), poly(esters), poly(methoacrylates),poly(acrylates), poly(glycols), poly(amides), and poly(norbornenes). 19.The method of claim 13, wherein an antisturiation agent is codissolvedin said solution containing said polymeric preceramic precursor.
 20. Themethod of claim 11, wherein said semiconducting substrate comprises atleast one metal region and at least one dielectric region, where saidceramic diffusion barrier is positioned between at least one metalregion and said at least one dielectric region.